Guatemalan Transport Workers Block Roads to Protest Fuel Price Hikes

Transport workers blocked major roads across Guatemala on Monday, using trucks, other vehicles and barricades to stop traffic. The protests affected at least a dozen routes, including key connections to Mexico and El Salvador.

The groups organizing the action oppose a sharp rise in fuel prices and are demanding immediate fiscal measures from the government. They want fuel prices reduced and some municipal taxes removed. Fuel costs have climbed by more than 50 percent over the past six months, according to the report.

The Energy and Mines Ministry said diesel costs about $6.08 per gallon. Premium gasoline costs $5.45, while regular gasoline costs $5.21. Transport leaders said they expected to meet Congress President Luis Contreras to discuss their demands.

President Bernardo Arévalo de León announced a new bill on July 23 seeking congressional approval for a second fuel subsidy this year. Transport workers oppose that proposal and want other mechanisms to lower gasoline prices. Congress approved a $261.7 million subsidy in April for three months, but consumers complained that it did not produce a visible reduction at the pump.

The Chamber of Agriculture opposed the blockades, saying they threaten food supplies and distribution and affect small producers. It called on the president, the Interior Ministry and the National Civil Police to protect freedom of movement and the rights to work, health, education, industry and commerce.

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They put food supplies and distribution at risk.